Salaries for 911 Operators in Montana

The Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Research & Analysis Bureau, reports that the entry-level 911 dispatcher salary in MT is $24,480. The average is $31,950 and experienced-level $35,680. Annual wages in the Missoula area tend to be a bit higher. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates an average salary in that area of $33,050, which is roughly 3% above the statewide average. The average experienced-level salary is also generally higher at $36,480.

In Helena, 911 operators are part of the Support Services Division and receive the following hourly wages:

Public Safety Telecommunicator – Dispatcher

Step 1: $16.50

Step 2: $17.33

Step 3: $18.20

Step 4: $19.11

Step 5: $20.06

Furthermore, 911 operators in Helena with 8-12 years of experience receive a step 1 starting wage of $20.46 per hour and those with 13 or more years of experience $20.86 per hour.

In Billings, 911 dispatchers start out at the trainee salary rate of $24,419. Once the training period has been completed, the salary is raised to $28,849. The top annual rate for 911 dispatchers working for the City of Billings is $45,822.

It’s also worth noting that the projected occupational growth for 911 dispatchers in Montana is higher than national estimates. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 12% growth between 2010 and 2020 nationally. However, the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Research & Analysis Bureau, estimates growth to be around 14.4% in Montana.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has also provided this salary data by city among 911 dispatchers in Montana: